Samson die de leeuw verslaat
Josuë Dupon
1890
Details
- Collection: Antwerp, Animal sculpture, The collection
- Material: bronze
- Acquisition method: acquisition
- Object number: KIS.0094
Samson die de leeuw verslaat (Samson Slaying the Lion) is a bronze sculpture by Josuë Dupon, located on Jan Van Rijswijcklaan in Antwerp.
The work depicts the biblical figure Samson in combat with a lion. With his right hand he holds the lion’s paw, while with his left he strangles the animal. In the biblical story, Samson is granted supernatural strength – contained in his long hair – which allows him to fell a lion with his bare hands.
In this sculpture, Samson and the lion appear almost merged into a single body through the connection between Samson’s arm and the animal's paw. The plaster model was exhibited at the 1890 Triennial Exhibition.
Josuë Dupon (1864–1935) was a sculptor and engraver, best known for his realistic animal sculptures. He took evening classes at the Roeselare and Antwerp Academies and later studied at the National Higher Institute of Fine Arts. From 1905 to 1934, he was professor of sculpture at the Antwerp Academy and a board member of the Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
From the same artist
Josuë Dupon
The way this bird spreads its majestic wings is striking. The Andean condor has the largest wingspan in the world. Condors, like many birds—and many humans—enjoy the feeling of the warm sun on their backs. They spread their wings to catch as much sunlight as possible. They sunbathe to stay warm and keep their feathers healthy.